£5m fund aims to give respite to Scots carers

Published on Monday 26 July 2010 16:31

FUNDING of £5 million is to be ploughed into respite services for people who care for others, the Scottish Government has announced.

Spread over five years, the money is to help the voluntary sector support carers and the work they do.

The announcement was made by public health minister Shona Robison yesterday as she unveiled two new strategies to identify and support carers of all ages across Scotland.

The adult strategy, "Caring Together", sets out a ten-point plan, creating a "carers' rights charter", looking at the health and wellbeing of carers themselves and promoting carer-friendly employment practices.

A separate strategy for young carers, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, has also been published.

Ms Robison unveiled the publications during a visit to the Lanarkshire Carers Centre in Hamilton.

She said: "Carers of all ages make a huge contribution to their families and to society.

"Their efforts help their loved ones to continue living independently, and their contribution as unpaid workers to health and social care is worth an estimated 7.68 billion a year.

"Caring Together makes clear that we rely on carers. Our commitments in areas such as training, carer participation, health, rights and employment signify a new deal for them.

"They are equal partners in the care of their loved ones, and their needs must be acknowledged and met by our NHS and social work systems. This strategy has been compiled with help from carers themselves and it's clear that this is hugely important for them.

"What is also clear is that a short break and some respite from caring duties can make all the difference.

"The 5m respite funding over five years will help the voluntary sector to sustain and support carers, help carers continue the life-sustaining work they do and develop innovative short breaks and respite."

Carers Scotland director Pat Begley said: "We recognise there are financial challenges ahead, but we must not shift more of the burden on to unpaid carers.

"Carers are part of the largest unpaid workforce in Scotland and must be supported and resourced if health and social care services are to be maintained."